Doctor insights on:
Lump On Back Of Neck Diagnosis

1

Possible abscess:
Most likely an abscess( an area of infection that can develop into ball of pus), secondary to an infected cyst or hair follicle, usually fairly painful, swollen, warm , red most of time along with an area that might be yellow-gold.
Fairly common Initially treated with warm compresses( towel soaked in warm water) for 10-15 minutes- 2-3X/day.
If no better, see doctor for possible drainage + meds.
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2

Lymph node:
There are thousands of lymph node located around the body that help screen out germs in the body serum before it returns to the circulation. There are many in the neck, head & behind the ear. At rest these are often 1/4 inch in diameter and may grow to marble sized when reacting to a stimulus. Bug bites, or viral infections can increase their size.They should shrink down to nl size over a few wks.
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3

Different options:
That area has a lot of things in it both in the skin and below it. Sweat glands, hair follicles and skin cysts as well as lymph nodes, fatty tissue, vessels, muscles and other things. Is the lump growing, inflamed, painful, painless, draining, recurrent or constant, moveable or fixed...? Each of these (and many more) will provide your doc the answers as to what it is and what needs to be done.
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4

Yes, possibly!:
You should see a primary care physician soon for a thorough evaluation. Your "lump" can be something common that doesn't necessarily need treatment (lipoma, sebaceous cyst) or something treatable (boil, abscess) or something potentially serious (enlarged lymph node) or something definitely serious (cancerous tumor).
Since you are in Wash, DC, you can make appt to see me.
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5

Many things:
Could be taut muscle band or muscle spasm called a tender point or a trigger point. This could also be a tender lymph node, especially if you were recently sick. Other things could be a boil or a lipoma. If it is bothering you and does not resolve, see your doctor for further evaluation.
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6

Hard to say:
There are many potential causes and usually a detailed exam can determine the cause. It is usually a superficial and benign condition such as, for example, a lipoma or an epidermoid cyst. Consider being checked.
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7

You should see a doc:
You can start with your family doctor or a general physician. All physicians know how to investigate a lump. This will require physical examination as the first step. Then there may be a need for a test or two and a possible biopsy or excision depending on the doctors impression of its cause.
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8

Consult PCP:
Small lump on back of neck is highly unusual for migraine; it is possible that the lump on neck could cause pain in the head. You should consult your PCP to get it checked out.
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10

Uncertain:
This can't be diagnosed with the information that is available. A history, physical examination & other studies may be needed to determine cause/causes. Once accurately assessed a treatment plan can be developed.
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